Eggplant gives this pasta sauce a rich meatiness that complements the ground beef. Plus, the eggplant allows us to use a little less beef but still have a generous and hearty serving.

Rigatoni with Beef and Eggplant Ragu

Makes 4 servings

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

8 ounces whole-wheat rigatoni, rotini or penne

8 ounces 92 percent-lean ground beef

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 teaspoon fennel seed

3 cups diced eggplant, (about 1/2 medium)

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 8-ounce cans no-salt-added tomato sauce

1 cup red wine

1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, or 1 teaspoon dried

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 teaspoons pine nuts, toasted (see tip)

1/2 cup crumbled feta, (optional)

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta until tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions.

Meanwhile, cook beef, garlic and fennel seeds in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned, about 3 minutes. Add eggplant and oil; cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant browns, about 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and wine; cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Stir in oregano, salt and pepper.

Drain the pasta; serve topped with the sauce and sprinkled with pine nuts and feta, if using.

Tips and notes: Prepare the sauce (Step 2); cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To toast pine nuts, cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Recipe nutrition: Per serving: 399 calories; 7 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 30 mg cholesterol; 57 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 22 g protein; 11 g fiber; 345 mg sodium; 788 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (30 percent daily value), Zinc (26 percent dv), Vitamin A (25 percent dv), Potassium (21 percent dv), Iron (20 percent dv)

Carbohydrate servings: 3

Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 very lean meat, 1 fat

(EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com.)